Redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier will make his first career start for Florida (1-0) against East Carolina (1-0) on Saturday, the school announced Thursday.

Grier shared snaps with sophomore Treon Harris in the Gators' 61-13 opening victory over New Mexico State last week. He finished the game completing 16 of 18 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

"I thought what Will did was come in with that two-minute drive right there before half, which actually was really big, and what I mean by that is we gave up a score and we answered," Florida coach Jim McElwain said of Grier earlier this week. "And what that shows me is a little bit of resolve."

Grier entered last week's game early in the second quarter after Harris, who started six games last season, led the Gators on back-to-back touchdown drives. Harris returned to the game late in the third quarter, finishing with 215 yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-19 passing.